Community event brings free Narcan, overdose training to Conroe residents

A nonprofit organization in Montgomery County is collaborating with a tattoo studio in Conroe to offer free Narcan and overdose response training this Sunday, aiming to address the rising issue of fentanyl-related fatalities in the community.

The Community Narcan & Resource Event is scheduled for 2 to 5 p.m. This Sunday, the Community Narcan & Resource Event will be held at Monster Ink Tattoo & Piercing Parlor, located at 469 FM 1488, and it is open to all members of the public. Residents have the opportunity to obtain Narcan at no cost, learn how to administer the medication properly, and engage with local harm reduction resources and representatives from the Montgomery County Operation Prevention Endeavor.

A partnership has been formed between Monster Ink and M-COPE, a nonprofit organization in Montgomery County dedicated to education, awareness, prevention, and remembrance in the ongoing battle against substance use disorder and overdose.

According to Sarah Hall, a founder and board member of M-COPE, the partnership facilitates the distribution of a life-saving medication in locations where communities naturally congregate. In August 2020, Hall experienced the tragic loss of her son, Ethan, due to an overdose.

“That first year, I felt completely adrift.” "I found myself engulfed in my sorrow," Hall expressed. “I felt an urge to take action, yet I was uncertain about the right course to pursue.”

Ashley Sanchez, co-owner of Monster Ink, expressed that she contacted Hall to ensure Narcan would be accessible at the business, motivated by the significant impact overdoses have had on the community, especially during the holiday season.

“The number of overdose-related deaths we have witnessed is alarmingly high,” Sanchez stated. “Many individuals are experiencing challenges during this holiday season.”

Sanchez observed that people frequently self-medicate, often not realizing that the substances they use may contain fentanyl. She said that, over time, the tattoo shop has evolved into a supportive environment, underscoring the crucial need for access to Narcan.

“We believe we can make a difference for someone, particularly during the holiday season,” Sanchez stated.

Established in 2022, M-COPE emerged from the collaboration of Hall, Kim Rosinski, Kathy Posey, and Sherry Barton, who connected through Grief Recovery After Substance Passing, a support group dedicated to assisting families affected by the loss of loved ones to addiction. The initiative, which started as a simple awareness campaign, has now grown to encompass Montgomery County and the wider Houston area.

M-COPE organizes events focused on prevention, education, awareness, and remembrance. Grant funding enables the organization to purchase Narcan, which it distributes for free at these events or directly to residents seeking assistance.

Organizers announced that Sunday’s event aims to be both inviting and functional, featuring hands-on instruction and resources focused on saving lives within the community.

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